Progress with addressing Govan Mbeki’s water crisis following continued pressure from the FF Plus
The FF Plus in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality (GMM) is overjoyed that there has finally been some progress in addressing the ongoing water and sewage crisis after the Green Scorpions stepped in.
The Green Scorpions will continue the fight in court after the entity found that there is a strong possibility of serious water pollution in the Municipality (Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda, Trichardt).
The test results were shocking. Very high E. coli pollution (sewage) levels were reportedly found in local water systems.
“The FF Plus has been fighting against the ongoing water and sewage crisis since 2020. The party, among other things, reported the Municipality to the Green Scorpions in September 2021, and a criminal complaint was also lodged with the local police,” said Aranda Nel-Buitendag, FF+ Councilor in GMM, “Last year, the matter was escalated to the provincial level as the FF Plus tabled urgent motions for intervention in the Mpumalanga Legislature.”
The Municipality was scheduled to appear in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court at the end of June this year, but it has been postponed to August.
Over the last few years, outdated water and sewage systems as well as maladministration have contributed to the serious pollution of specifically the Grootspruit and Secunda Rivers in the Govan Mbeki area. Tests have shown that the water is not safe for human or animal consumption.
Govan Mbeki’s sewage works are in terrible condition.
The FF Plus has been formally requesting that the local water infrastructure must be urgently upgraded and properly maintained since 2018. It has deteriorated to a disgraceful condition.
Struggling taxpayers are already heavily burdened by the constant water shortages and tariff hikes.
One of the main contributing factors to the problem is that the Municipality is knee-deep in debt to Rand Water.
Outstanding debt to bulk providers is not paying residents’ problems, though.
The ANC in Govan Mbeki has destroyed this once-prosperous Municipality.
Residents deserve better than the ANC.
